E1364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 31, 2012 

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HARLEM’S BELOVED SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT 

HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor 

a venerable Harlem institution, Sylvia’s Restaurant, on its 50th anniversary. Founded by 

the late Sylvia Woods, Sylvia’s is nationally 

and internationally famous, yet its soul remains in Harlem. 

On Wednesday, August 1, 2012, to kick off 

Sylvia’s Restaurant’s 50th Anniversary Golden 

Jubilee, the Woods family salutes the Harlem 

community with a complimentary Southernstyle sidewalk breakfast party featuring Cake 

Man Raven complete with a voter registration 

drive, children’s programming, live entertainment, guest speakers, prize giveaways and 

plenty of ‘‘Dancing in the Streets.’’ The celebration continues with The Golden Jubilee Parade, featuring the awesome Brooklyn Steppers, which begins at Adam Clayton Powell, 

Jr. Harlem State Office Building African Village 

Plaza from 125th Street and 7th Avenue to 

Sylvia’s Restaurant at 127th Street and Lenox 

Avenue. 

I’d like to include in this CONGRESSIONAL

RECORD, in celebration of this milestone occasion the obituary that was prepared in remembrance of Mrs. Sylvia Woods. 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF SYLVIA WOODS, 

FEBRUARY 2, 1926–JULY 19, 2012 

If ever there was a woman who defined 

strength, ambition and determination coupled with enough entrepreneurial spirit to 

uplift and inspire generations, it was Sylvia 

Pressley Woods, ‘The Queen of Soul Food.’ 

Encapsulating family traditions of love, 

unity, female empowerment and of course 

soul into her business ventures, she not only 

established an imprint with her famed restaurant Sylvia’s, but the visionary blazed a 

trail for an entire community to emulate. 

After a blessed 86 years with us, Sylvia 

Woods departed this world and reunited with 

her late husband, Herbert Deward Woods, on 

July 19, 2012. 

On February 2, 1926, Sylvia Woods was born 

to Van and Julia Pressley in Hemingway, 

South Carolina. Three days after Sylvia’s 

birth, her father succumbed to chemicalweapons injuries; he worked to ensure financial stability. When Sylvia was three years 

old, her mother left her in the care of her 

grandmother and the greater community of 

Hemingway as she went to Brooklyn, New 

York in search of work and increased opportunities. It was the notion of strength and 

that sense of family togetherness which ultimately defined who Sylvia Woods became. 

Julia returned to Hemingway a short time 

later whereby she raised her children, Sylvia, Louise, whom she adopted, Christine 

(Tiny), and Janie (Cout), whom she also 

raised. 

In an era where women were fighting for 

equal footing, Sylvia’s grandmother already 

had a farm and instilled the value of ownership in Julia and later in Sylvia herself. Widowed after her husband was falsely accused 

of a robbery and hung, her grandmother 

later remarried and eventually fought to 

maintain control of the property after the 

second husband passed away. It was on that 

land, on that farm that Sylvia Woods absorbed an impeccable work ethic along with 

her cousins and other children from the community. It was under the hot sun that she 

picked beans every day after school and first 

fell in love with food. And it was there that 

Sylvia initially met her future husband at 

the tender age of 11 as she worked alongside 

him on the farm. You could say it was destiny. 

Sylvia’s mother Julia worked tirelessly as 

a laundress in New York and saved nearly 

every penny with the aim of purchasing the 

property adjacent to her own mother. That 

dream ultimately came to fruition. She returned to South Carolina when Sylvia was 

still an adolescent. Julia bought property 

next to the farm and had her own house constructed. 

Together, as a family unit, they worked 

the farm and provided living examples of 

strong, independent, Black land owning 

women for young Sylvia to one day replicate. 

In addition to their domestic work and 

maintenance of the farm, both Sylvia’s 

mother and grandmother were midwives for 

Hemingway during their prime. Despite 

being unable to read or write, her grandmother was the community’s only midwife 

at the time. This unyielding persistence to 

rise above adversity was a quality passed 

down to Sylvia, as was a sense of humility 

and gratitude for all of life’s blessings. Sylvia herself once recounted that as a young 

child, she considered herself extremely lucky 

to be able to study by a lamp, for many in 

her neighborhood could not afford electricity. It was these humble beginnings that 

allowed Sylvia to continue to cherish each 

and every success and never waver in support 

of the less fortunate. 

During her formative years in Hemingway, 

Sylvia observed a community that lived and 

worked for the benefit of all. It was commonplace to adopt someone’s child if the need 

arose, or to help out in a person’s home if 

necessary. Sylvia’s mother and grandmother 

had both adopted children at various points 

in their lives. It was in this environment 

where Sylvia’s dedication to hard work was 

fine tuned, as her mother made sure she 

stayed busy even on rainy days when the 

beans could not be picked. Learning to sew 

and mend, Sylvia started replacing buttons 

and repairing worn out clothing for herself 

and the family. But soon enough, that 

transitioned into a new creative outlet. 

Without the benefit of patterns to duplicate, 

or any formal training, Sylvia began making 

clothes—complete outfits—and tapping into 

the ingenuity that played a key role in all 

her life’s work 

Whether she was expressing her innovative 

side, or working on the farm, Sylvia’s childhood also centered on one other main factor: 

food. Watching her mother, grandmother, 

relatives and neighbors pour their hearts 

into the dishes they served, she understood 

that great food didn’t just emerge; it required passion, love and soul. As different 

folks added their own ingredients and made 

their own specialties, Sylvia soon learned 

that cooking was a creative and artistic 

process unto itself. It was those recipes that 

were in turn handed down from generation to 

the next. And no matter what the occasion, 

it was food that brought everyone together. 

When Sylvia was 16, her grandmother sent 

her to cosmetology school in Brooklyn in 

order to find work as a beautician. The 

youngest person to graduate in her class, 

Sylvia then returned to South Carolina. 

After a few years honing her beautician 

skills while still assisting her family at 

home, she made the difficult decision to return to New York. In addition to parting 

ways with relatives, Sylvia faced the heartwrenching reality of saying goodbye to her 

beloved Herbert. Possessing the same sentiments as Sylvia, Herbert joined the Navy 

shortly thereafter with the hope that he 

might one day sail to Brooklyn and reunite 

with his love. Although he never quite made 

it to Brooklyn through the Navy, the two 

married soon enough and moved to the village of Harlem. 

On the tough and often unforgiving streets 

of New York, almost everyone was chasing 

after a dream. But it was the incomparable 

lessons of integrity, sacrifice, dedication and 

courage of her childhood that laid the foundation for Sylvia’s eventual empire in Harlem and was an imprint for the nation. When 

the Woods first moved uptown, Herbert drove 

a cab to earn a living, while Sylvia worked a 

factory job on Long Island. Exhausted for 

her commute, she seized an opportunity to 

work as a waitress at Johnson’s Luncheonette on Lenox Avenue. It was a decision that 

later proved invaluable. 

When Sylvia first accepted this waitressing 

job, it was yet another daring move not only 

because she was inexperienced, but because 

she had never set foot inside a restaurant before. Growing up in the Deep South at a time 

when most restaurants barred Blacks and 

Black-owned restaurants were basically nonexistent, she had no knowledge of the complexities of the fast-paced industry. But Sylvia was a quick learner. 

In 1962, when the owner of this luncheonette was leaving to focus on other ventures, 

he offered to sell Sylvia the establishment. 

After her initial shock, Sylvia realized the 

potential this venue could have for a community that was still yearning for a place to 

call home. Remaining true to the ideals of 

working as a family, Sylvia went to her 

mother who then mortgaged the family farm 

and allowed her daughter’s concept to become a reality. On Aug. 1, 1962, Sylvia’s 

opened its doors. It had 15 stools and six 

booths. 

Having a business is no small feat, let 

alone a restaurant vying to survive during a 

period when many were forced to close their 

doors. It was Sylvia’s faith and unbelievable 

relationship with Herbert that allowed her 

to overcome any obstacle big or small. From 

the fields of South Carolina where they 

looked after one another, through an enduring marriage that saw the birth of four children—Van, Bedelia, Kenneth and Crizette— 

the Woods had a bond that few will ever experience in their lives. Both were born in 

Hemingway, and both lost their fathers as 

babies. And in an added twist of fate, both 

Sylvia’s mother and Herbert’s mother were 

born on the same day, January 1, 1906. 

During the 1960’s, Harlem was an unpredictable and ever-changing neighborhood. As 

many restaurants struggled to remain open, 

Sylvia’s found a niche with its southern cuisines of collard greens, peach pies, fried 

chicken, cornbread and other soul foods. But 

it was the warmth and love with which Sylvia welcomed patrons into the restaurant 

and that extra touch of care added into her 

dishes that won the hearts of the community. Her establishment was so well respected in fact, that during the riots of the 

’60s, as businesses were set ablaze, hers remained protected and intact. 

‘‘Sitting idle is not an option’’ is what Sylvia’s mother used to say, and it’s what Sylvia herself exemplified throughout her time 

on earth. As her restaurant grew in popularity, so did her efforts towards expansion. 

Sylvia’s currently seats over 450 patrons, and 

the powerhouse behind it all had branched 

off into other business endeavors. She purchased the remaining stores on the restaurant’s Lenox Avenue block, as well as 

several nearby brownstones. She packaged 

her own signature line of food products that 

found their way into grocery stores across 

America and remain of the few truly Black 

owned businesses in food production today. 


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July 31, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1365 

And she somehow found time to publish two 

successful cookbooks. 

In 2001, Sylvia said goodbye to her best 

friend, the love of her life, Herbert Woods. In 

his memory, the Woods family founded the 

Sylvia and Herbert Woods Scholarship Fund 

offering collegiate scholarships to Harlem 

and local residents. To date, the fund has 

dispersed 76 scholarships and will continue 

to live up to its mantra: ‘‘a higher level of 

education should not be a high-end luxury, 

but a right to all those who seek it’’. 

After the death of her soul mate, Sylvia 

once again turned to her faith for renewed 

empowerment. Growing up in a strong Christian home, she came to know God as a young 

child. She was a firm believer in the notion 

that no matter what the adversity, God 

would see you through. It was a value and 

belief system she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Sylvia was a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church for many 

years, and later joined Grace Baptist Church 

as it was more convenient for her to attend 

there. She was instrumental in the construction of her home church, Jeremiah Methodist, in Hemingway. 

In 2007, Sylvia received a Congressional 

honor acknowledging her immense contribution to American society. She appeared in 

numerous national and international media 

outlets and has been saluted by President 

Bill Clinton, New York Governor Pataki, 

New York Mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins 

and Mike Bloomberg, the New York Stock 

Exchange, among others. She was also recognized by the NAACP and received numerous 

awards. 

Sylvia’s has proudly served Presidents—including the first African American President, Barack Obama—international dignitaries, celebrities, Harlem residents and 

tourists the world over. It is owned and operated by three generations of the Woods family that remain committed to the work 

ethic, devotion, and entrepreneurial spirit of 

its founder. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary 

of Sylvia’s. 

A relentless fighter and champion first for 

her family, community, and minority/female-owned businesses, Sylvia is now reunited with her mother, grandmother, husband Herbert, adopted sister Louise Thomas 

and half-brother McKinley Preston, all of 

whom have passed on. She is survived by her 

four children, Van (Brenda Woods) Bedelia, 

Kenneth (Sylvia Woods) and Crizette; one 

step-daughter, Linda Woods; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; two special cousins, 

Christine Cameron and Janie Cooper; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Woods; a host of loving 

nieces, nephews, cousins and a nation that 

will forever be indebted to a woman who reminded us to never lose sight of the key ingredient for any success. 

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in commemorating the 50th 

anniversary of the founding of this esteemed 

Harlem institution. May it continue its long run 

of excellence for another 50 years and more. 

f 

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD L. GRANT 

HON. JO BONNER OF ALABAMA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Richard L. Grant, who recently retired as 

the Vice President and Region Manager of 

Boise White Paper Alabama Operations on 

May 31, 2012. Mr. Grant knows the value of 

hard work, as well as the importance of loyalty 

to one’s company. 

Mr. Grant began his career after graduating 

with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental 

Studies at the University of Maine in 1977. 

After graduation, he began a long journey, ultimately taking him from the East coast to the 

West and finally down to Alabama. 

He began work with Boise as the Pulp Mill 

Day Supervisor in 1987 in Wallula, Washington. He then became the Power and Utilities Superintendent from 1988 to 1989 at 

Smurfit Newsprint Corporation in Oregon. In 

1989, Mr. Grant moved to the Alabama Operations, where he held a variety of positions 

from 1989 to 2008 which included: Operations 

Manager, Production Manager, Paper Machine 

Superintendent, Recycle General Superintendent, Utilities Superintendent and Region 

Manager of the Alabama Operations, before 

being promoted to Vice President in November of 2008. 

In addition to being a leader in safety, Mr. 

Grant has made many outstanding and lasting 

contributions to Boise and his community. He 

has been a leader in the development of people’s character, mentoring many of the key 

managers within the Boise Paper family. 

These contributions to the company will be 

greatly missed. 

Rick has been a tremendous and positive 

force in his community and the Boise Paper 

Company. He has set a high standard of leadership that will be difficult to replace. 

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of 

South Alabama, I would like to extend a job 

well done, as well as our very best wishes to 

the Rick and his wife, Sissie, for all their future 

endeavors. 

f 

PERSONAL EXPLANATION 

HON. JOSE ́ E. SERRANO OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 

531 I inadvertently voted ‘‘aye’’ when I intended to vote ‘‘no’’ on the Fitzpatrick Amendment to H.R. 4078. I would like the record to 

reflect this error, and to reiterate my opposition to efforts to undermine the SarbanesOxley Act of 2002. Sarbanes-Oxley has been 

an important bill that improves corporate transparency and helps to ensure confidence in our 

financial markets, and I continue to support 

this vital legislation. 

f 

HONORING REV. WILLIAM F. 

HARRELL 

HON. PAUL C. BROUN OF GEORGIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise 

today to pay tribute to a Southern Baptist minister in Georgia’s Tenth Congressional District, 

Rev. William F. Harrell. After serving as Senior 

Pastor of Abilene Baptist Church for the past 

31 years, Rev. Harrell, or Brother Bill, as he 

is lovingly referred to by his church congregation, is entering retirement. 

Under his leadership, Abilene Baptist has 

grown to nearly 2,900 members, and the ministry includes a region-wide television program, entitled ‘‘Strength for Today.’’ Its building stands as a stunning landmark, and the 

reputation of its members is a powerful testimony to the greatness of God. The church’s 

success and strength is due, in large part, to 

Rev. Harrell’s faithfulness and care in serving 

the community of the Central Savannah River 

Area and first and foremost, our Lord Jesus 

Christ. He has served a total of 39 years in 

ministry, holding a number of positions in the 

Augusta Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist 

Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. 

For this reason, and on the occasion of his 

retirement, it is my honor to acknowledge Rev. 

Bill Harrell, for his outstanding career and significant contributions to Christian ministry. Furthermore, I extend my sincere appreciation to 

a servant leader in whom I value his friendship 

and hold in the highest regard. Rev. Harrell is 

a man who is certain of his calling, consistent 

in his ministry, and committed to doing the 

work of the Lord. 

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 

Congress, I applaud the great work of Rev. 

William Harrell and congratulate him on the 

occasion of his retirement. 

f 

HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF 

ALABAMA MEN’S GOLF TEAM 

HON. JO BONNER OF ALABAMA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor 

the University of Alabama’s men’s golf team 

which placed runner up to the National Champion Team from the University of Texas, on 

June 3, 2011. The Crimson Tide’s record of 

accomplishment this season is the best in the 

history of the University’s golf program. 

Although the Tide was behind all day, they 

fought hard to come back. Senior Hunter 

Hamrick, from Montgomery, was able to put 

points on the board for the Crimson Tide with 

a 6 and 5 win. Sophomore Bobby Wyatt, from 

Mobile, played a dramatic hole with a birdie 

chip on 18 winning his match 1 up. Sophomore Cory Whitsett tied the final match with a 

birdie on 17. And, on 18, Texas player Dylan 

Frittelli needed to sink a 20-foot-putt to beat 

the Crimson Tide in the final match. 

With such an outstanding performance, the 

Alabama golf team completed their most successful season in the school’s history by placing runner-up at the NCAA Championship. 

The team also won its third SEC Championship, the school’s second regional title, as well 

as finished first in the stroke-play portion of 

the NCAA Championship over Texas by 10 

shots. 

The 2012 men’s golf team members are 

Hunter Hamrick, Lee Knox, Tom Lovelady, 

Trey Mullinax III, Scott Strohmeyer, Justin 

Thomas, Cory Whitsett, and Bobby Wyatt. 

The coaching staff consists of Head Coach 

Jay Seawell, Assistant Coach Scott Limbaugh, 

and Team Chaplain Stephan Bunn. 

On behalf of the people of Alabama and my 

colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I wish 

to extend personal congratulations to Coach 

Jay Seawell, the coaching staff, and the men 

of the University of Alabama Men’s Golf Team 

for their tremendous accomplishment. 


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